Whitecaps re-sign 2007 team MVP

Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today that they have re-signed veteran midfielder Martin Nash. Nash, who will be entering his eighth season with the club, has agreed to a two-year contract extension.

Nash, 32, enjoyed one of his most productive offensive seasons in 2007. The five-foot-eleven, 170-pound midfielder finished second in team scoring with three goals and six assists for 12 points; only three points behind the team’s leading scorer, Eduardo Sebrango. In addition, this was the second straight year that Nash finished among the United Soccer Leagues First Division (USL-1) leaders in assists; tied for third overall.

Nash, who was born in Regina, Saskatchewan but raised in Victoria, British Columbia, made 27 appearances, including 25 starts, and earned 2,179 minutes. For his efforts, Nash was named the team MVP and was voted as the Fan Favourite. He was also selected to the All-League First Team for the third time in his career. Nash previously received All-League honours in 1996 with Vancouver and 2000 with Rochester.

Earlier in the season, Nash extended his club’s ironman record to 77 consecutive games, dating back to August 2004, before being called up to Canada's national team for last summer’s CONCACAF Gold Cup. During Canada’s run to Gold Cup semifinals, Nash started four of the teams five matches, and has now earned 37 international caps for his country.

In his seven seasons in Vancouver, which includes the 2006 USL-1 championship, Nash is tied for 12th all-time in team scoring with 18 goals and 34 assists in 177 games played. The 11-year USL-1 veteran also played three seasons in Rochester, winning championships in 2000 and 2001, and one season in Montreal. In all, Nash has played in 280 league matches, scored 32 goals and recorded 59 assists in 21,191 minutes of action.

In addition to his time in USL-1, Nash spent two seasons with Stockport County in 1996-1997 and 1997-1998. He helped the club earn promotion to the English First Division for the 1997-1998 season. The midfielder briefly appeared with Chester City of the English Third Division in 1999. He also played on loan for English Third Division club Macclesfield Town at the start of 2003 before joining the Montreal Impact. Furthermore, Nash has played indoor soccer with the Edmonton Drillers, Detroit Rockers, and Dallas Sidekicks.

The Vancouver Whitecaps men open the 2008 regular season against the Montreal Impact on Saturday, April 12. Season tickets are now on sale starting at $199, call 604.669.WAVE (9283) or CLICK HERE for more information.